Lac de Saint-Front

Lac de Saint-Front is a volcanic lake sitting at roughly 1,250 meters above sea level in the commune of Saint-Front, in the Haute-Loire department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It holds the distinction of being the highest lake in Haute-Loire, tucked at the edge of the Mézenc massif on the volcanic plateau that defines this corner of Auvergne.

How did the lake form?

The lake fills a maar-type volcanic crater, which explains its strikingly circular outline. It was carved out roughly 130,000 years ago by a phreatomagmatic explosion, the kind of eruption that happens when rising magma meets groundwater and flashes into steam. The lake now measures about 2 km around, covers close to 30 hectares, and reaches a depth of around 7 meters. It is fed by springs at the base of the crater and by underground water sources, and it is the source of the Gagne river.

What makes this lake distinctive?

The shoreline mixes forest, meadow, and peat bog, supporting a rich mix of wildlife tied to wetland habitats, including waterfowl typical of Auvergne's high-altitude ecosystems. That ecological value has earned the area protected status as a ZNIEFF type 1 site, and the whole lake sits within the Natura 2000 network. The water's color shifts with the weather and time of day, swinging from deep blue to slate gray, which makes the spot a favorite for photographers passing through the plateau.

Is there a walking trail around the lake?

A footpath of about 2.5 km circles the lake and can be walked in under an hour. The marked PR 61 trail, "Le lac de Saint-Front," starts in the village of Saint-Front and follows the shoreline, opening up views over the water and the surrounding plateau ridges. The route is easy, crossing a mix of woodland, pasture, and peat bog, which makes it suitable for families as well as anyone after a short, quiet walk in a mountain setting.

Can you fish at Lac de Saint-Front?

The lake is private property, managed primarily as a fishery. Fishing is permitted during the season, from May 1 to November 15. Anglers can find pike-perch, black bass, several carp varieties (including leather and grass carp), tench, and roach in its waters. Equipment rental, bait, and boats are all available on site, making it easy to reach fishing spots further from shore.

Is there anything to do here besides fishing?

Beyond fishing, visitors can picnic or simply walk the shore, though tourist infrastructure stays deliberately modest, in keeping with the lake's status as private, partly protected natural land. It suits a quiet visit more than a packed day out — good for anyone after birdwatching, a calm moment by the water, or a short detour into Auvergne's volcanic scenery.

FAQ

Where exactly is Lac de Saint-Front located? In the commune of Saint-Front, Haute-Loire department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, at about 1,250 meters altitude on the edge of the Mézenc massif.

How was the lake formed? It occupies a maar-type volcanic crater created by a phreatomagmatic explosion around 130,000 years ago.

Can you fish at the lake? Yes, it is a private fishery open from May 1 to November 15, with equipment and boat rental available on site.

How long does it take to walk around the lake? The loop trail is about 2.5 km and takes under an hour; it also forms part of the marked PR 61 route.

Is the lake environmentally protected? Yes, it is registered as a ZNIEFF type 1 site and lies within the Natura 2000 network because of its peat bogs and associated biodiversity.